2018 Biotechnology Awards

GHP / Biotechnology Awards 2018 17 “Arbor is addressing the unmet need for hair loss treatment by targeting 21 molecular pathways implicated in hair growth and loss to yield an efficacy superiority over the market leading drugs.” Based in Toronto, Canada, Arbor has access to world class scientists in health, regenerative medicine, molecular biology laboratories and botanical science. The Canadian and provincial engagement with research and development in human life sciences facilitates an excellent integration of industry and academia. Peter outlines the current natural health products market and how Arbor is working to adapt to the various developments it encounters. “Natural therapeutics have been used as traditional medicines to treat disease for thousands of years. Many drugs are derived from plant based therapeutic properties– most famously acetylsalicylic acid or ASA commonly known as aspirin which was originally extracted from willow bark and has been manufactured in pure form since 1899. In fact, natural products and their derivatives represent more than 50% of all the drugs in clinical use in the world. Further, by the beginning of 21st century, 11% of 252 drugs considered essential by the WHO are exclusively of flowering plant origin. The challenge with botanical based products can be generalized into two areas, i.e. standardization of nutrient profiles to consistently deliver a patient with therapeutically effective doses of bioavailable nutrients and the “Fuzzy Science” that is often positioned to consumers as a definitive treatment.” “In addition, the biological action of most botanicals and their nutrients is currently not well understood. There is a growing transition amongst consumers towards self-medication and natural health products for the many chronic and incurable health conditions. Along with this trend is a resistance towards prescribed medications, particularly when a natural option has a chance of success with a low or no side-effect profile. Consumers are also trending towards socially responsible behaviours which include moving towards vegan, non-GMO and organic dietary consumption. This trend has also extended to the cosmetic world where consumers who care about what they put in or on their body, are increasingly demanding products with transparency demonstrating low or no carcinogens, allergens, reproductive or endocrine disruptors. Finally, more consumers are adequately informed and they are demanding scientific proof of natural product claims.” Looking ahead, Arbor is extending its science into a broad regenerative and anti-aging platform of multiple cell, tissue and organ types including skin, nervous system, cardiovascular, bone, muscle and connective tissue. This has far reaching opportunities for healthy-aging, preventive health and sport, and the firm is excited to build upon its current success. Company: Arbor Life Labs Website: www.arborlifelabs.com Hair Science: www.21togrow.com Brand: www.replenology.com